Facilitating response to cases of abuse or neglect
Elder abuse is any act or omission which results in serious physical or emotional injury to, or financial exploitation of, an older adult. If you have reason to believe you or someone you know, aged 60 or older, is being abused, neglected, or exploited, report it!
Every person aged 60 or over living in the community who suffers physical or emotional injury, is neglected, or is financially exploited by a person(s) with whom he/she has an ongoing relationship, such as a relative, friend, or caregiver, is covered by the law.
What constitutes abuse or neglect?
Physical abuse
Non-accidental use of physical force that results in bodily injury, pain, or impairment, or threats of physical abuse.
Sexual abuse
Non-consensual sexual contact of any kind.
Emotional abuse
Non-accidental infliction of serious emotional injury including severe anxiety, fear, depression, or withdrawal.
Neglect
Intentional or non-intentional failure by a caregiver to provide one or more of the necessities essential for physical, intellectual, and emotional well-being, such as food, shelter, medical, or personal care.
Financial exploitation
The non-accidental act or omission by another person, without the consent of the older adult, which causes substantial monetary or property loss to the older adult, or substantial monetary or property gain to the other person.
Self-neglect
Failure or refusal by an older adult to provide for one or more of his/her essential needs, including food, clothing, shelter, personal care, supervision, and medical care.
How to report elder abuse or neglect
Call the Elder Abuse Hotline
(800) 922-2275
or
Mandated Reporters are required to complete this form within 48 hours of the verbal report
Information for Mandated Reporters
The law requires people in certain roles to report cases of elder abuse and neglect. Some of these Mandated Reporters are subject to fines for failure to report.
See the list
- Physicians and medical interns
- Dentists
- Nurses
- Family counselors
- Probation officers
- Social workers
- Police officers
- Firefighters
- Emergency medical technicians
- Licensed psychologists
- Coroners
- Registered physical therapists and occupational therapists
- Podiatrists
- Executive directors of homemaker service agencies
- Executive directors of licensed home health agencies
If Minuteman receives a report of elder abuse occurring outside of our service area, we will refer it to the appropriate aging services organization.
What happens after a report is made?
Once a report is determined to fall within the program statute, a Protective Services Investigator will be assigned. Protective Services staff will balance the mandate to protect older adults with their right to self-determination.
If there is reasonable cause to believe abuse has taken place, a case will be opened and protective services offered. Protective services may include home care services, medical treatment, counseling, legal services, information, and support. Staff will exercise the least restrictive means of intervention, with the goal of maintaining older adults in their own homes. A competent older adult has the right to accept or refuse protective services.